A whole-child approach with real academic results
At Vibrant Minds, we believe scholars learn best when they feel seen, supported, and challenged in meaningful ways. That’s why our curriculum blends rigorous academics with hands-on enrichment — designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help each scholar thrive.
Our approach is rooted in research-backed methods like:
- Strength-based learning that builds on what students do well
- Play-based learning in the early grades
- Project based learning (PBL) that grows with scholars over time
Rigorous Academics
What’s taught: English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, with a focus on strong foundational skills, critical thinking, and meaningful understanding.
How it’s taught: Learning is hands-on and connected across subjects through Project Based Learning (PBL), helping scholars apply what they learn to real-world situations and stay engaged.
How scholars are supported: Instruction is adapted to each scholar’s needs, with additional guidance, enrichment, or challenge provided in the classroom so every learner can grow with confidence.
Strong State Academic Ratings
According to the California State Dashboard, Vibrant Minds scholars are achieving at high levels:
- Blue rating (highest performance) in English Language Arts, English Learner Progress, and Science
- Green rating (strong performance) in Math
Curriculum Tools and Resources
Our scholars also use a variety of tools and resources to support their academic journey including:
- Core Knowledge (TK)
- Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Curriculum (TK-K)
- iReady Reading (Grades K-5) and Math (Grades K-6)
- Ready Reading and Ready Math (Grades K-5)
- Common Lit (Grade 6)
- TCI Science and TCI Social Studies (Grades K-6)
- Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS for Intervention)
- Prodigy
- Khan Academy
These platforms allow scholars to explore content at their own pace and build skills in areas of interest.
Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA)
We believe creativity and self-expression are essential to a scholar’s growth. Every scholar participates in weekly enrichment classes focused on:
- Visual art
- Music appreciation and vocal application
- Theater and performance
From the annual musicals such as Alice in Wonderland Jr. and Peter Pan to school-wide visual and performing art showcases, scholars gain confidence by sharing their talents and creativity.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM)
Our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities help scholarss become curious problem-solvers who think creatively and critically.
STEAM experiences include:
- Hands-on science experiments
- Engineering challenges
- Digital art and design
- Robotics and coding
Scholars also participate in after-school Little Labs and Big Labs that extend STEAM learning beyond the classroom.
Project Based Learning (PBL)
Project Based Learning helps scholars apply what they’ve learned to solve real-world problems through hands-on, collaborative projects.
Examples of past PBL projects include:
- Robot carriages
- Drone delivery systems
- Cup towers
- 3D maps and bridges
- Chicken coops
- Minecraft portraits
- NASA Mars exploration projects
PBL projects help scholars:
- Apply critical thinking
- Communicate ideas clearly
- Practice collaboration and teamwork
- Solve problems creatively
- Make learning meaningful and fun
Technology-Infused Education
Technology-Infused Education (TIE) supports all types of learners by giving them control over how they learn and create. Scholars use tools that match their interests and learning styles to explore, research, and present what they’ve learned.
Tools we use include:
- iReady Reading and Math for skill-building
- Khan Academy and Prodigy for personalized math practice
- Google Classroom to organize learning experiences
Digital tools are used in the classroom and during enrichment time to help students:
- Learn at their own pace
- Dive deeper into topics they care about
- Explore digital design, photography, videography, and printing
Physical Fitness
Physical development is just as important as academic growth. All scholars participate in structured physical fitness sessions taught by a credentialed physical education teacher designed to build coordination, teamwork, and healthy habits.
- TK: Physical education is integrated into the daily curriculum, as well as taught by the P.E. teacher
- K–6: 100 minutes of Physical Fitness sessions throughout the week
Instruction includes:
- Movement games
- Sports skills
- Activities that promote lifelong fitness
Our school also competes in events like:
- Honda Center hockey tournament
- Annual Color Run
- Two races through RunOC
Field Trips
We take learning beyond the classroom through field trips that connect academics to the real world.
Day Field Trips include:
- Discovery Center
- Mt. SAC Planetarium
- Shipley Nature Center – science and ecology
- KarateOC – physical fitness and discipline
- Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Park Railroad – seasonal learning
- Halloween Carnival and Railroad Ride – creative play and community
Overnight Field Trips include:
- Gold Rush Simulation at Riley’s Farm (Grade 4)
- Newport Beach Fostering Interest in Nature (F.i.i.N.) Program focused on ocean preservation, science, and ecology (Grade 5)
- AstroCamp (Grade 6)
These experiences create lasting memories and help scholars see how classroom learning connects to the world around them.
What Learning Looks Like
During School
Scholars experience a balanced school day that blends academics with enrichment. TK students have P.E. and VAPA built into their daily routine. For TK–6, scholars attend a 45-minute enrichment class each day, rotating through Visual Art, Music, and Digital Citizenship once a week, and Physical Fitness twice a week.
After-School Program
Our free on-site after-school program offers:
Extra learning time
Art and enrichment
STEAM-based exploration
Group collaboration and play
More About the Program
Outside of School
Scholars deepen their learning through field trips and hands-on experiences, like visits to the Shipley Nature Center, Irvine Park Railroad, and more.